Related articles

Safety is always our first priority, so as a precautionary measure we have taken a decision to remove all our customers from this hotel

Thomas Cook

The tour operator’s highly unusual decision to evacuate a complete hotel is being called “a precautionary measure.”

Thomas Cook said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of two of our customers who were staying in the Steigenberger Aqua Magic Hotel in Hurghada, Egypt.

"The circumstances of their deaths remain unclear. We are aware of the speculation in some of today’s media that their deaths may have been caused by Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Currently we have no evidence to support this.

"A team of 24 Thomas Cook representatives have been supporting our 300 customers in the hotel overnight.

"We are offering customers alternative hotels within Hurghada, as well as giving them the option to return home. For those customers who choose to come home, we have made arrangements to fly them back today, 24 August.

"While we understand this is upsetting for those on holiday, we believe this is the right thing to do.

"We continue to work closely with the hotel and are supporting the authorities with their investigations. The Steigenberger Aqua Magic Hotel was last audited by Thomas Cook in late July 2018 and received an overall score of 96%.

Thomas Cook: John Cooper, 69, died first and his wife, Susan Cooper, 64, died shortly afterwards (Image: Facebook)

"We will be contacting those customers due to travel to the Steigenberger Hotel in Hurghada in the next four weeks to offer alternative holiday options."

Thomas Cook is believed to have between 1,000 and 2,000 British customers in Hurghada at the moment.

Around 400 people are due to return to the UK tonight on flights to Gatwick and Manchester.

A larger plane is also being deployed to and from Manchester to carry the extra passengers who booked to stay longer but wish to return early.

He said the daughter of the deceased couple, Kelly Ormerod, - who was with them in Egypt with her three children - had told local Lancashire media nothing had been wrong with her parents before they died.

Ormerod reportedly told local officials she believes an alleged faulty air conditioning unit might have been involved in her parents falling ill, reported The Telegraph.

That Thomas Cook is taking such drastic measures “shows that they must be very concerned that there is a health issue” said Simon.

Rumours have been swirling on social media carbon monoxide poisoning is to blame but Simon confirmed that this is not being considered a cause by authorities.

The Steigenberger Aqua Magic Hotel have said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the deaths which. The deaths were due to natural causes. Rash speculation should be put aside.”

People are still checking in at Manchester Airport to fly to Egypt. If you have a booking with a different hotel in Hurghada, unfortunately, normal terms and conditions will apply if you wish to cancel.